Universal joint.



c, w. sPomsEL.

UNWERSALJOINT.

.APPLICATION FILED FEB. 20| |911 Patented Dec. H, 19W.

CHARLES W. SPONSEL, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT,

naine Parana oracion.

ASSIGNOR yT0 THE SPONSEL COM- PANY, OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION 0F CONNECTICUT.

UNIVERSAL JOINT.

Specification of Letters Patent.'

lratented Dec. 14,194 t.

Application filed February 20, 1917. Serial No. 149,785.

To all whom t may concern.'

- Be it known that I, CHARLES W. Sroivsni.,

a citi'fen of the United States, residing at Hari., rd, 'in the county of Hartford and 'State of Connecticut, have invented certain` new and useful Improvements in Univeisal Joints, of which the following is a specification.

lit

I especial 4applicability when incorporatedin lobjects of the invention.

an automobile or a machine of metal-work- @g or similar type.

l In Ithe drawings acconipanying'fand formiiig part of the present'specication 'I` have `shown in detail one convenient form of embodiment of the invention which will be set forth fully in the following description. I am in no sense limited to .this particular showing, jhowever, as I may depart therefrom in several particulars within the scope of the invention defined by the claims fol-` lowing said description. l

Referring to said drawings;A n Figure 1 is a side elevation of said Joint.

Fig. 2 is 'a like,A view with the parts sepal rated and a portion' of one of the rmain elements in section.

Fig. 3 is a face View of one of the shaft elements being that on the left in Figs: l and 2. I

Fig. 4 is a transverse section on the line 4 4 of Fig. l, looking in the` direction of the arrow. i

Fig. 5 is a perspective View of a couplingmen'iber. l

Fig. 6 is anelevation of a bearing and a pivot seeuring'latch iii the closed and open positions thereof by full and dotted lines respectively.

Fig. 7 is a detail of said bearing pivot and latch, all in section except the forward portion of the pivot. i y f Like characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, Figs. G and 7 being on a largerscale than the preceding views.

I have already-stated concisely some of the There are other points which I have in View. For example semblent,

factorily 'in this particular.

` though I illustrate kthe `bearing is of such character that the parts thereof can be machined by the usual simple standard procedures. In View of this condition all working surfaces can be hardened to the requisite extent or suliciently to properly resist wear and friction. Another point of equal advantage is that the parts can be easily, readily and quickly asand when in correlation can be etv operated Without binding. I desire also to call attention to the factl that the joint possesses the maximum strength and the parts which require it can be readily and easily lubricated. In a general Way these Yare soine of the objects I attain and with others will receive further consideration hereinafter.

The joint involves in its organization shaft.

ends' or members of desired construction, those denoted by 2 and 3 answering satis- These shaft members in the organization shown are praetieally of duplicate construction, although this inay not always be necessary. Each is provided .with a pair of bearings as 4 which may` be vrelated with the respective shaft ends 2 and 3 in any desirable manner, al

and will hereinafter describe an advantageous construction of this character. The bearings 4 of the respective inembers are transverse to each other, being in fact as shown at right angles or approxi mately right angles to each other. That is to saythe axis of thebearii'igs 4 of the mehr ber 2 is as illustrated, exactly at'right angles to the axis of the bearings 4 of theincinbei' 3. It is highly advantageous that Athese axes should be in the saine plane andthe advantage for this. will be hereinafter explained. Each bearing comprises a body 5,.

disposed in the mouths Q'of the. circularv seats 8. Owing to the fact that the bearings 4 and shaft ends or members 2 and. 3 re spectively are separate in the organization illustrated, they can be heat-treated independently, which is an elementA of impor-V tance. As previously observed I do not rely 4upon the driving ofthe bodies or bases 5 into the seats f8 to hold the bearings 4 in ion los

operative relation with the shaft ends or secworking relation with the shaft ends, and this may be accomplished by pins as 10 adapted to be driven through registering openings in the shaft sections 2 and 3 and bodies respectively, the pins 10 when in position being riveted as at 11 over the bodies 5 of therespective bearings 4.

The couplinginember may within certain limits, 'ary as to construction. For instance, while it is integral, it isconceivable that. it might be made in parts, although for reason of strength I prefer the former construction. A coupling-member which has met my conditions in a desirable manner is that denoted in a general way by 12. This coupling-member: comprises segments as 13 and 14; transverse to each other and as may be inferred the best' results are obtained by having the segments formed as arc-shaped keys at right angles to each other, the shaft sections 2 and 3 having suitable seats such as those denoted in a general way by 15 and 16 to receive the respective segments or arcuate keys 13 and 1l. Obviously in the construction shown the two seats are at right angles to each other and are located in the ends ot' the shaft sections 2 and 3 between the bearings l thereof. The seats 15 and 16 are shown as of arcuate formation, and are intended to receive the respective segments 13 and 1l, the side walls of the arcuate seats 15 and 16 being contiguous to the side walls ofthe seglnents 13 and 1-l. These several side walls are in the present. instance flat or imperforate throughout. their entire depths andare at the same time paralleli .\s shown, the segments 13 and 1l do not bottom in the respective seats or grooves 15 and 16. The bottoms of the grooves and the curved surfaces of the segments '13 and lit are in the present case on arcs struck from the sante center. There is no driving connection, however. as will be understood between the bottoms of the grooves and the curved outer surfaces of the segments. the driving being as already observed between the side walls ot' the segments and the side walls of the seats.` 'lhe segments 1? and l-t have projections as 17 and 1H. which are as shown at right angles to each other` these projections having holes or openings l!) and 2() entirely therethrough adapted to receive suitable pivot m'eans hereinafter describtal. There are two pivots l'or the coupling member l2 at right angles lto each other and each pivot it might be noted consists of a pair of pins as l will hereinal'ter point ont'. lIt will be seen that lthe bottom of the seat 15 and the curved surface ot' the segment 13 are on'arcs struck Jfrom the axis of the hole or dpcning 20, and it will l'urther be noted that the bottom of the seat 16 and the curved movement. This coupling member,

surface of the segment 14 are on arcs struck from the axis of the hole 19. The projection 18 of the segment 14 is fitted between the `bearing portions 6 on the shaft section or end 2 while the projection 18has a corresponding relation with the bed/ring portions 6 on the shaft section or end 3, the two holes 19 and 20, as will 'be perceived being at right angles to each other. There may be eases where it is not necessary to extend the holes entirely through the coupling member, although the former construction is the better one, owing to the ease of disassemblage. When the coupling-member 12 is assembled,' pins as 21 will bepassed through the openings of the bearing portions 6 and into the holes 19 and 20, the inner ends of these pins being' conedas at 22 to engage each other and thus facilitate their removal. It is desi lable also to call attention to the fact that the ends of the projections 17 and 18 are rounded as at 23', the rounded portions 23 being on arcs struck from the axes of the pins 2l or holes 19 and 20 respectively.' The terminal portions of the segments 13 and 14 also have seats 2l to receive the rounded ends of the bearing portions 6, these engaging surfaces being also formed on arcs/ struck from the axes of the pins 21 or holes 19 and 20 respectively into which tht.. pins are fitted. I desire to call attention to the fact that the driving is done from one of the shaft ends 2 or 3 to the intermediate coupling member 12 which as described is mounted for free universal movement, the coupling member being held in position by v means independent of the driving Surfaces. I might note in this connection that experience has demonstrated that whenever the central joint pins are abandoned and such substitutes as concentric slots, grooves or recesses and coacting tongues or wings are used in place thereof, they cause binding and make a hard-working joint which consumes power and entails unusual wear. This 110 is not the case with the present construction, because no such efforts are involved by the coupling member. which has free universal however, is held in operative relation with the shaft sections by transverse pins, and although four of them have. been described, this may not be necessary in all cases. The primary function ol these pins is to prevent endwise separation ot' the shaft sections. In the organization shown they do not act aS drivingl l'aetors but subserve merely the function Leccese rll-here may be cases where itiis desirable' to hold the pins 21 in position without fear of accidental displacement, and the meansy `by which this result is obtained can vvary` I zero up to 45 degrees.

' which the angle is greater than 40 degrees place by the appropriate latches 25.

which is within the range of the joint.

' It Iis a simple and easy matter to assemble the parts; for instance, the segment 13 will be introduced in its seat 15 inthe member 2i and the pins 21 will be passed through the openings 20 ofy the coupling member 12 and afterward 'latclied in place by the latches 25. The member 3 will be brought at right angles to the member 2 and the segment 14 will then be seated in the seat or groove 16 Vand the part lll'subsequently pinned in place by the appropriate pins 21 which goy through openings 20 at right angles to thei openings in whiclrtlie other pins have been"- inserted in the coupling member 12. The pins last applied will then be latched in What l claim is:

1. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member,

vthe coupling member having transverse segmental portions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats to receive the respective segmental portions, and means 'for connecting the coupling member to the main members permitting movement thereof about transverse axes and at the same time preventing separation of tbe main members said axes being in the same plane transversely of the joint.

2. A'universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling m'ember having transverse segmental portions ,and the main members. having corresponding transverse seats to receive said transverse portions, and means for pivoting the coupling member to the 'main members for movement about transverse axes and at the same time to prevent separation of the main members said axes being in the same plane transversely of the joint.

3. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling member having transverse segmental portions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats to receive the respective segmental portions, the seg-- mental portions lbeing` 1n contact with. the

l sides of the seats and out of contact with the bottoms'v thereof, and means for connecting the coupling ,member withjthe main members for movement about transverse axes and at the same time for preventing separation of the main members said axes being in the same plane transversely of the joint.

4. A universal joint comprisingtwo main members, an intermediate coupling member,

the coupling member having transverse segmental portions and the main members having transverse seats, the sides of the segmental portions being in contact with the sides of the seats and the bottoms of the segmental portions being spaced from the bottoms of the seats, and means for pivoting the coupling member to the main members for movement vaboutV transverse axes said axes being in the same plane transverselyof the joint.

5. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling member having transverse segmental portions, the sides ot' which are parallel throughout vtheir depth, the main members having corresponding transverse circular seats to receive the respective seg- .mental portions, the sides ot' the Qsegmental 'being spaced from the bottoms of the seats,

and means for pivoting the coupling member to the main members for movement about transverse axes and in the same plane between the bottoms of the seats.

(i. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling me'inbei', the coupling' member having transverse segmental portions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats to receive the respective segmental portions` and means for pivoting the couplingl member to the main members for movement about transverse axes, the curved parts of` the transverse segmental portions being formed on arcs struck respectively Jfrom said axes Said aXes being in the same plane )transve-i'sely ot the joint.

7. -A universal joint comprising Atvj'o main members, an intermediate coupling member, the couj'iling member having transverse segmental portions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats td receive said transverse portions and the iuai'n inembers also having bearings, and four pivots supported bytherespective bearings and extending into the coupling member at approximately right angles to each other the axes of said pivots being in the same plane transversely of the joint.

8. A universal joint comprising. two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling memberliaving transverse seiginentaly portions and the main meinbersdiaving corresponding transverse seats to receive said transverse portions and the main meinbers also having bearings, and four pivots supported by the bearings and extending into the coupling member at approximately right angles to each other, the curved faces of the segmental portions being on arcs struck from the 4axes of the respective pivots the axes of said pivots being in the same plane transversely of the joint.

9. A coupling member for universal joints, comprising two opposite segments at right angles to each other, said segments having a common central plane, each segment overlapping the plane approximately one-half the thickness thereof and having bearing holes in the overlapped portions at right angles to each other, the curved faces of the segments being on arcs struck from the axes ofthe respective holes.

coupling member for universal joints comprising tivo opposite segments at i v right angles to each other, the segments overends lapping approximately one-half the thickness thereof, said overlapping portions being provided with bearings, the bearings having holes at right angles to each other, and the curved facesmf the segments being 'struck from the axes of the Vrespective holes, the holes being on a common plane.

1l. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling member havingtransverse segmental portions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats to receive the transverse portions, and two pairs of pivots for connecting the coupling member for universal movement with main members,

the pairs of pivots being at right angles to each other and their inner being coned and in engagement.

12. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling member having transverse segmental portions and the main members having correspondingv transverse seats to receive the respective transverse segmental portions, bearings carried by the respective main members at right angles to each other, and four pins carried by the bearings, the coupling member having holes to receive the respecing corresponding the respective tive pins the axes of said pins being in the same plane transversely of the joint.

13. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate coupling member, the coupling member having transverse seg? mental portions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats to receive the respective transverse segmental portions, bearings carried by the respective main members at right angles to each other, and four pins carried by the bearings, the coupling member having corresponding transversely alined holes to receive the respective pins, and latches carried by the respective bearings and engaging the pins to prevent their accidental displacement the axes of the pins being in` the same plane transversely of the joint.

14. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate'coupling member, the coupling member havin transverse segmental poitions and the main members having corresponding transverse seats to receive the respective segmental ortions, bearings carried by the main members and at right angles in pairs to each other, pins carried by the bearings and also in transverse pairs to each other, the bearings having pivoted latches, and pins extending into the bearings and coupling member, the latches being resilient and being adapted to be sprung into the ends of the pins.

l5. A universal joint comprising two main members, an intermediate couplingmember, the coupling member having transverse segmental portions and the main /member havtransverse seats to receive the respective segmental portions,I bearings .carried by the respective main members, pins extending through the bearings for pivotally connecting the coupling member thereto for movement about transverse axes, the bearings being rounded and the ends of the segmental portions liaving seats to receive the ends of the bearings.

In testimony whereof I aix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES W. SPONSEL. Witnesses L. L. MARKEL, HEATH SUTHERLAND. 

